He followed it up with a quickfire 70 in the first innings of the second Test in Hyderabad.

Left-hander Pant, who hit a century during this year's Test tour of England, followed up with scores of 92 in both the first and second Tests against the West Indies.

"I know the conditions were not as challenging as they might get in future, but in Test cricket, the first and the most important thing is confidence and understanding that you can score runs at the Test level," Kohli said.

"From that point of view, very happy that these guys have taken their chance so well."

The diminutive right-hander aggressively attacked the West Indies bowlers and showed quick reflexes while fielding at forward short-leg.

"He has been playing since the age of eight in the maidans [open spaces] of Mumbai. You can see all that hard work showing. There's a bit of Sachin there, a bit of Viru in him - and when he walks there's a bit of Lara as well," Shastri said.

Kohli added: "It's great to have a guy who is so fearless. He is not reckless, he is very confident about his game. He's a rare talent. I don't think any of us were even 10 percent of what he is when we were 18, 19."

India will play five ODIs and three Twenty20 internationals against the West Indies before starting a tour of Australia in November.

After series defeats in South Africa and England this year, India will take on Australia in three ODIs, four Tests and three T20 matches in what is being seen as a critical examination of their position as the world's top Test side.